In the past decade, there have been countless technological advancements that have changed how we live, communicate, and receive care. Among them, wearable health technology -- especially devices like the Apple Watch and Fitbit -- has stood out to me as the most impactful invention. these smart wearables have transformed personal health management by enabling people to monitor their heart rate, sleep patterns, oxygen saturation, and even detect irregular rhythms like atrial fibrillation. This kind of real time health data was once only available in a clinical setting. Now, it is literally at our fingertips. What makes wearable health devices my favorite invention is not just their technical capabilities, but their potential to democratize healthcare. they empower individuals to understand and take control of their own health in ways that were never possible before. Early warning signs that once went unnoticed are now being caught at home, sometimes even before symptoms are felt. For people with chronic illnesses or heart conditions, these tools can be lifesaving. And for health conscious individuals, they offer daily motivation to stay active, sleep well, and live more balanced lives. The beauty of this technology lies in it simplicity and accessibility -- it bring proactive care into everyday life. As someone preparing to enter the nursing field, this innovation excites me because it reflects a future where technology and human care intersect more deeply than ever. Wearable tech doesnt replace healthcare professionals -- it enhances what we do. Nurses are often the first point of contact for patients, and we play a vital role in interpreting data, providing emotional support, and delivering compassionate care. I see wearable technology as a tool that will allow nurses like me to better understand out patients lives beyond the hospital walls and to offer more personalized care rooted in real time information But beyond the technical excitement, nursing for me is about service, empathy, and healing. What I hope to contribute to the world through my studies and my future career is a combination of clinical excellence and human connection. I want to be a nurse who not only administers medicine and monitors vitals, but also listens deeply, advocates fiercely, and comforts sincerely. In times of vulnerability and fear, I want to be a steady presence for my patients and their families. Technology can support that mission. I hope to be part of the generation of nurses who are not only trained in traditional clinical methods but are also fluent in new healthcare technologies. I want to help bridge the gap between high tech data and high touch care. As wearable devices and other innovations become more integrated into healthcare systems, I envision a future where nurses use this data to identify risks earlier, tailor care plans more precisely, and support patients in making informed decisions about their health. Looking forward, I'm also passionate about addressing healthcare disparities. While wearable technology has great potential, it's not equally accessible to everyone. Part of my contribution as a nurse will be advocating for equitable access to healthcare tools, especially in underserved communities. No matter how advanced our tools become, true progress means everyone has the opportunity to benefit from them. In conclusion, wearable health technology represents more than just a cool invention -- it symbolizes a shift toward a proactive healthcare. As I prepare to become a nurse, I'm inspired by how these innovations can enhance my ability to serve, care, and heal. My goal is to combine the best of both world: the precision of technology and the compassion of nursing, to make a difference in lives of others.

From a young age, I've always been fascinated by the complexity of the human body and inspired by the idea of using science to improve lives. My passion for STEM -- particularly in biology and health sciences -- has only grown strong as I've matured, driven by both curiosity and compassion. I am pursuing a career in medicine because I want to be a part of something greater than myself; a field that blends science, empathy, and lifelong learning to make real, lasting impacts on people's lives. More specifically, I want to become an OB/GYN and advocate for women who often feel unheard when it comes to decisions about their own bodies. To begin my journey, I plan to attend Eastern Michigan University and major in Pre-Med. I've chosen EMU because of its strong science programs and supportive learning environment that will help me build a solid foundation in biology, chemistry, and anatomy. These courses will prepare me for the MCAT, a crucial step toward entering medical school. With dedication and hard work, I plan to score highly on the MCAT and transfer to either the University of Michigan or Michigan State University to attend medical school. In medical school, I will continue to study human biology, patient care, and clinical skills, all while focusing on women's health. Im particularly drawn to OB/GYN because of its unique combination of medicine and advocacy. Its a field where I can support women during some of the most vulnerable and empowering moments of their lives -- whether thats during childbirth, reproductive health issues, or navigating complex medical decisions. After medical school, I will take the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), which is required to become a licensed physician. Once I pass, I will apply to an OB/GYN residency program to gain hands on experience and refine my skilled under the guidance of experienced mentors. My long term goals is to become a practicing OB/GYN who not only provides excellent medical care but also advocated for women's rights in health care. What motivates me the most is the desire to give a voice to women who feel ignored or powerless in the healthcare system. Too often, women -- especially those from marginalized communities -- are dismissed, misdiagnosed, or denied access to reproductive healthcare. I want to be a doctor who listens, understands, and empowers my patients to take control of their health. Medicine is not just a science; it's a way to show compassion and create change. STEM is the gateway that will allow me to fulfill this mission. Through rigorous study, research, and patient interaction, I hope to become not just a doctor, but a leader and advocate in women's health. This journey won't be easy, but I am driven by a deep passion and an even deeper purpose. I believe that every step I take, I'll be closer to making a difference where it's needed that most.

When people think of marching band, they think of nerdy band kids who run around making shapes on a football field, but it's more than that. It's mentally and physically challenging, that's why I fell in love with the sport. It challenged me, and it gave me something to work towards, except during my Junior year when it all came crashing down. In December 2022, I injured my foot playing volleyball. The doctor never saw anything wrong, so they put me in a walking boot and called it a day. From there it was smooth sailing ahead. I was healing and ready to start my Drum Line season in May 2023, until I realized something wasn't right. After I went back to the doctor, I was in a boot for another 8 weeks. At this point, I was worried. All I was thinking about was, “When am I going to be able to march?”. I spend all my summers rehearsing with the drum line, memorizing music and practicing the drill, so what am I going to do if I'm stuck with this boot? Right before band camp at the end of July, I was cleared from my boot and was given the okay to walk on my own, except that wasn't the end of it. That was probably the worst week of my life. I was in constant pain; forced to use crutches and transported back and forth from the field on a golf cart. Unfortunately, the boot and I were reunited. I felt helpless. My whole marching season was going to waste; not being able to play drums with my best friends broke my heart. Continuing out my season, I still attended every rehearsal, memorizing the music and drill, being hopeful that by the end of the season I'll be able to march. Now it's August 2023, I finally find out that the left sesamoid bone in my left foot is completely broken. I was furious. I spent months after months working hard to heal, only to find out I've just been holding myself back. So you'll never guess what I had to do next, go back in the boot, but this time it's a little different. I was non-weight bearing, which meant I wasn't allowed to walk. That's when I felt defeated. I basically depended on my friends and family for everything. For someone who is constantly active and extremely independent, it was torture. Six weeks I was on crutches, watching all my friends march on that field while I had to sit on the sideline; it broke my heart. But soon, after an excruciatingly long healing process, it was my time to shine. A few days before the last football game of the season, I was cleared. During that game, I marched my field with pride. I was personally proud of myself that day. I learned that you can't let any inconveniences take you down and stop you from doing what you love. It was really hard for me to keep going because all I wanted to do was give up and feel bad for myself, but I didn't let that happen. I continued to challenge myself and push my limits, and eventually it paid off. Being able to play during halftime for the last football game of my Junior year made me realize that life doesn't stop just because something got in the way, you have to work through it. Overcoming something not just physically but mentally challenging can be difficult, but eventually all that hard work pays off.

My parents divorce wasn't just the end of a marriage, it was the beginning of a painful and transformative chapter in my life. It shook the foundation of everything I thought I understood about family, love, and stability. But what hurt the most wasn't the divorce itself, it was the way my dad treated me throughout the process and after it ended. I eventually came to understand that he didn't truly see me as his daughter because I wasn't biologically his. That realization didn't just break my heart; it changed me. It made me question my worth, my identity, and my place in the world. And when he left us with nothing, forcing my mom, my little sister, and I to move across the country to start over, it became clear that I was going to have to grow up fast. Even before the divorce, there were signs that something wasn't right. My dad was never particularly involved in my life. He wasn't cruel, but he was distant -- always keeping me at arms length. As a child, I tried to justify it. I told myself that some dads were just like that, that maybe I had to work harder to ear his attention or love. But deep down, I craved the kind of connection I saw other kids had with their fathers. I wanted to be seen, to be cared for, and to feel like I truly belonged in my own family. Instead, I often felt like an outsider in my own home. When my parents separated, the emotional distance between us turned into a physical one. My dad walked away from out lives with no hesitation. There were no attempts to stay in touch, no phone calls, no financial support, and no effort to make sure we were okay. It was as if, in his mind, we had stopped existing the moment he walked out the door. That abandonment was devastating. It felt like confirmation of my deepest fear -- that I had never really mattered to him. The divorce left my mom in an incredibly difficult position. She was suddenly a single mother with very little support, trying to hold our family together while dealing with the emotional wreckage of her own. Eventually, we had no choice but to move across the country. We left everything behind -- our home, out school, our friends, and the few pieces of normalcy we still had. The move was chaotic and painful. I remember packing up my room, wondering if Id ever feel settled again, wondering why someone who claimed to be my father would abandon me so easily. Starting over in a new place was hard. I had to adjust to a new school, make new friends, and pretend like everything was okay when it wasn't. I felt out of place, like I was carrying a weight that no one else could see. I didn't talk about what had happened for a long time. It was easier to keep it inside than to try to explain the complicated emotions I was feeling. But over time, I realized that staying silent was only making things worse. Slowly, I began opened up to people I trusted, and started the long, difficult process of healing. One of the biggest lessons Ive learned from this experience is that people actions say more about them than they do about you. For a long time, I blamed myself for my dad's behavior. I thought that maybe if I had been a better daughter, he would have stayed. But I've come to understand that his inability to love and care for me was his failure, not mine. The realization was painful, but also freeing. It allowed me to stop chasing after someone who had not intention of being there for mad and start focusing on the people who truly love and support me. The divorce and everything that came with it has shaped me in ways I'm still discovering. It's made me stronger, more independent, and more determined to create a better life for myself. Ive learned how to adapt, how to survive, and how to keep moving forward even when the ground beneath me feels unstable. I've also learned to value the people who show up and stay, those who make the effort, who care deeply, and who love unconditionally. While I wouldn't wish this experience on anyone, I can honestly say that it has helped me grow. Its taught me resilience, empathing, and the importance of building my own future -- one where I get to decide what love and family truly mean.